How to Find a Great Local Barber Shop

Your barber is more than the man who can clean up your edge or shape your beard. He is someone you can trust to make you look your best for everyday events and special occasions.

The best barbers make your time at the shop feel like you’re hanging out with friends.

But, sometimes good relationships end. You might move to a new city or find yourself on vacation and in need of a trim.

Whatever the reason you’re looking for a local barber shop, don’t worry.

Here’s everything you need to do to find your hair’s new best friend.

1. Decide What You Want

You and your old barber probably had some sort of understanding in place.

He knew just how you liked your hair and what it needed depending on the frequency of your visits. You barely had to say anything and he already had you set up in the chair.

The guy at your new local barber shop will know nothing about you.

This means you have to explain everything as clear as you can. Or, if you’re feeling daring, you can take it as an opportunity to switch up your style.

Know Your Hair Type

Is your hair sleek and straight or a head full of curls?

Do you like to style it a certain way or walk out the door without doing much maintenance?

Think about how long you go between barber visits, and even how often you wash your hair. The more details you can provide about your routine, the better a barber will know what to do.

Don’t Do Anything Drastic

If you think you want to change your routine, try not to make a big switch on your first visit to a new barber.

Remember, you’re only beginning your search for a go-to local barber shop.

Think of this as a first date. Cover the basics, and see how it goes.

As much as you might want to cut everything off or try a new fade, you will thank yourself for having patience. You wouldn’t want to end up with a bad barber experience and a really bad haircut, right?

2. Ask Around

Once you know how to communicate the look you’re going for, start searching for barber recommendations.

Someone in the office is bound to have a great beard or a similar cut to yours. Ask them who they go to!

Don’t be afraid to get details like wait times or rates.

Great barbers will almost always have a tight schedule. Rates can fluctuate depending on city centers, suburbs, and local shops vs. franchises.

A few more questions can help you get the big picture on what kind of options you’re working with.

3. Go Online

After talking to a handful of people, there should be some common names that pop up.

Don’t head to the closest local barber shop right away. Instead, do some solo research online.

Check out pictures on Instagram and reviews on Yelp or Facebook.

Pictures are the best way to get an idea of what a barber is really about.

Some will consistently stick with a few styles. Others can handle a wide range of cuts and shaping, depending on their client base.

Reviews give you the full scoop.

Don’t think the guys you talked to told you everything you need to know. Take your time to see what other customers have to say.

Their reviews can tell you anything from the best and worst experience to a shop’s ambiance.

Remember to look for special details as you read. Maybe a certain local barber shop always has the game on for you to watch. Maybe another is owned by a guy who’s been doing hair for an impressive amount years.

These might seem like small factors, but they can make all the difference.

4. Hang Out

Can’t decide between your top choices for a local barber shop? Pay them a visit.

We know, it sounds a little weird to go to a shop if you’re not planning on getting a cut.

Trust us though, the trip is worth it. Here’s why.

Check Out the Barber

When you walk in, shake the barber’s hand and let him know you’re in the market for a local barber shop.